lsandberg

I see the steps are much smaller on the 1995 hulls compared to the large steps starting in 1998. Is there a big difference in performance in the big steps to spend a bit more for a 1998 42' Lightning?

TooLateVTEC

iTrader: (1)

I dont have any performance specs or proof, but from my internet research....they found out that the steps in the hull work better when the air can get from the step underneath the boat and vent to the outside of the boat...so thats where the bigger steps came from I believe. Think about an air tunnel or channel.

With that said, I would think you're looking at a mph gain, but I have no clue on how much.

lsandberg

That's pretty much what I was thinking too. The bigger the steps, the more air under the hull, then less friction of the water.

Crude Intentions

iTrader: (1)

Another thing to consider is it may tough to tell just how much. When the steps got bigger is also when the staggering became common. Don't see many 95-97 staggered. I'd guess they would fall right in between non stepped and staggered. From what I've read and heard the 98-99 big step were not as good as the later year slightly smaller big step. The 95-97 were small steps. 98-99 maybe some 00 were really big step. Then 00-01 the step got a little smaller. Then the 04-05 was the final bottom. this is info is all for a 42. I know the others changed not sure how or when.

There is a really good thread where Scott shogren laid it all out. Have to use search function but it was interesting to read.

lsandberg

Good info, thanks!